AMLA 29

Chapter 29

“Master, today the maid Bell from House Luchelonia sought out an informant. Judging by the payment made, it seems the order came directly from Lady Luchelonia.”

Troy, who had been going through paperwork with a blank expression until now, suddenly brightened.

“Which informant?”

His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and the informant’s employee appeared a little flustered at the unexpected reaction.

He had worked at this information agency for three years—but it was the first time he had seen Troy make that face.

“They went to the informant Tam.”

“Tam, huh… Why would she go to such a small place? What kind of information was she looking for?”

“Well… she asked to find someone matching these conditions.”

The employee handed Troy a crumpled piece of paper. It looked like it had passed through many hands.

“Hmm… An influential and handsome male lead from a novel…?”

Troy tilted his head, clearly confused after reading the paper.

What was this supposed to mean?

What was she planning to do with this information?

Countless questions swirled through Troy’s mind.

“For now, find the information based on these conditions.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once the employee had left, Troy stared at the neat handwriting on the paper—Felice’s—for a long time.

* * *

The next day.

While I was having another magic lesson with Lian, my eyes kept drifting toward the clock.

“Felice, is something going on?”

“Hm? Oh, I’m just waiting for something.”

Yesterday, Bell had gone to buy information and assured me that the info would be ready by today, saying it was a simple request.

Before class started, Bell had gone off to the Tam informant to pick it up.

‘She should be back soon, right?’

It had been two hours since she left. Considering how long it took her yesterday, Bell should be arriving any minute now.

“Who are you waiting for so eagerly?”

“Bell. I sent her on an errand.”

Growing more anxious, I tapped the desk with my fingers.

‘I wonder what kind of info she’s bringing…’

Who would be the new male lead?

Just the thought that I’d soon know had me on edge with anticipation.

“Let’s call it a day for today’s lesson.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You’re clearly too distracted waiting for that maid—how could we possibly continue class like this?”

Lian closed his magic textbook, and I immediately sprang to my feet.

Without looking back, I exited the library and headed straight down to the first floor.

“Steward, has Bell returned yet?”

I spotted the steward on the first floor while descending the stairs and asked immediately. He bowed and answered:

“I just heard she arrived. She should be crossing the garden now.”

‘She’s here!’

I smiled in delight at the long-awaited news.

“Great. Where’s the servant’s entrance?”

But instead of directing me there, the steward said something unexpected.

“Well… I heard that Bell is entering with a guest. They’re coming through the main entrance.”

“A guest?”

“Yes, someone said it was your guest, my lady.”

“My guest?”

‘Who could that be? My guest?’

Could it be that she’s with Mr. Tam?

Since she went to see him, it made sense they’d come together.

Yes, it would be more accurate to hear the info directly from the source.

“They must have just arrived.”

At the steward’s words, I hurried excitedly toward the main entrance.

“Bell, hurry!”

As the door opened and I spotted Bell through the gap, I waved her in.

But oddly, Bell approached with a slightly awkward smile.

“Bell, did you bring the information? Or is Mr. Tam bringing it?”

Seeing her empty hands, I looked past the door again.

And there he was—Troy, holding an envelope and smiling brightly.

“Sorry for the sudden visit, Lady Felice.”

“Why are you here, Young Master Bayron…?”

‘Why is Troy suddenly showing up with Bell?’

How could things have taken such a turn?

When I looked to Bell for an explanation, she smiled awkwardly.

“It seemed like Lady Felice needed information, so I came on her behalf. Our merchant group runs an excellent informant network, after all.”

Troy stepped into the mansion with a wide grin, and both the steward and the rest of the staff bowed deeply in greeting.

“My lady, I’ll prepare the drawing room.”

“No, wait—”

“Yes, please do,” Troy cut me off and nodded to the steward before I could object.

* * *

“How did such an important guest happen to visit us so… unannounced?”

Sitting across from Troy in the drawing room, I clenched my teeth.

“I heard a maid from House Luchelonia was purchasing information, so I went there myself.”

Troy placed a paper envelope labeled Irot Informant on the table.

“But I asked the Tam informant, not Irot.”

Troy turned and glanced at Bell, then grinned.

“So I bought the request from Tam.”

“My request?”

“Yes. I paid quite a lot for it.”

Felice stared at Bell by the door, baffled. Bell hung her head like a criminal awaiting judgment.

“So I came to deliver this information package from our agency myself.”

“Oh, really? Then I’ll gladly accept it.”

I reached for the envelope, but Troy was quicker.

He placed his hand on it first, blocking me from taking it.

“I’ll give it to you—if you agree to go to the theater with me next time.”

‘What? The theater?’

My face immediately soured at his suggestion.

“I’ll pay you. How much did you pay for this? I’ll give you double.”

“I bought it for 10 gold coins.”

“Then I’ll give you 20.”

I tried again to reach for the envelope beneath his hand, but he didn’t budge.

Troy shook his head with a relaxed smile.

“I’m not selling it.”

‘Damn it…’

This meant he was determined to get what he wanted, no matter what.

If I refused him and tried to get information elsewhere, he’d probably buy that too.

In the end, I’d waste time and still end up doing what Troy wanted.

‘Besides, without an informant, I can’t get the info anyway…’

I tried recalling information from the game to deduce who the new male lead might be, but nothing came to mind.

In the end, I had no choice but to nod.

“Fine.”

‘Well, I’ll just make up an excuse and not go later.’

Right now, the information was what mattered.

I shoved the future burden onto my future self and swiftly took the envelope from the table.

“But Lady Felice, why did you need this kind of information? Could it be…?”

Troy’s pale green eyes sparkled mischievously.

“If you tell me, can we cancel the theater promise?”

“Of course not. That’s so unfair.”

He pouted, looking genuinely disappointed. But I had what I needed, so I promptly stood up.

“Well then, I’ll be off. I have things to do.”

“Alright… Just don’t forget our theater date. I’ll write to you.”

Troy pouted again as I turned away.

‘I need to go check who the new male lead is—right now.’

I stepped toward the door, envelope in hand.

“Now then…”

Just as I was about to see Troy off—

Knock knock.

Someone tapped at the door to the drawing room.

Before anyone could grant permission, the door opened—and Lian stood there, holding a book.

‘Why is Lian here…?’

“You left your book. Here.”

He held out my book, but his eyes were focused behind me—on Troy, who was seated on the sofa.

“Looks like you had a guest. Sorry.”

Lian apologized, but with absolutely no remorse.

He had come all the way to deliver a book that he could’ve easily handed to a maid.

He clearly came to check who had visited me.

‘I can’t let them meet.’

Just like when I was stuck between Kainis and Dustin, two male leads at once—it was exhausting.

This time, I had to keep them apart.

“It’s fine. Just give it to me.”

I tried blocking Lian from entering, but he was much taller than me and simply looked over my head at Troy.

“Who’s that? I’ve never seen him before.”